Trying on pencils

When you want to write in a new direction think of writing like playing dress up.

Trying on mommas heels or daddy's hat.

We know enough about life to blend what we know with what we want to include in our repertoire.

I listened to R. L. Stein talk about writing. He said it's not hard just be a storyteller. Write like you would share it- and-
that unique voice that only you have you, will define your own personal style, not to mention your own unique twist to age old tales.

Posted 3 Weeks Ago

3 Weeks Ago

Nothing wrong with thinking! Thanks for an interesting observation. I often feel that it is my characters that are 'playing dress-up' rather than me. They don't always do what I intend, but I have found that I get a more satisfying result by giving them space than by trying to write around them!

Posted 3 Weeks Ago

Rating /100

3 Weeks Ago

I do that to, I start off with a over goal, opening line and a character. Then I just let it unfold.. read moreI do that to, I start off with a over goal, opening line and a character. Then I just let it unfold like a movie and watch what I think that person would do

dear Cherrie... I love trying on colored pencils that
reflect the mood of the sky and feel of the weather...
Perhaps a day when sunlit flowers set the reason to smile...
a stranger tips his hat and a lady pauses to chat...
Thanks for acknowledging our repertoire... that sets our style.
ever so fondly, Pat

Posted 4 Weeks Ago

Rating /100

4 Weeks Ago

:) thank you Pat
So often we get stuck writing the same story over and over. We change the.. read more:) thank you Pat
So often we get stuck writing the same story over and over. We change the names and maybe the backdrop but it's the same tale just repackaged. If we're not careful our inner conditions clutter the page. Like a purfumes undernote, always there.

It's our imagination that gives us wings and allows us to dare. So what if we invent something someone else has already thought of, at least it will be fresh and new to us, with our own unique spin.

• We know enough about life to blend what we know with what we want to include in our repertoire.

True if you're telling that story in person, because then, you can tailor your performance, based on the feedback you get from the audience, And then, the reader can see and hear that performance, which is how the emotional part of the story is transmitted. If you say, "Jack, you truly are a b*****d," the audience knows—by how you speak the line, and how you perform it—if it's high praise or deadly insult, and to what degree. But hand the reader a transcription of those words and there's no emotional content, for-that-reader.

So while we know life, we come to storytelling on the page without the knowledge of how to instill the missing emotion into the mind of the reader as they read our words. But because we hear the emotion in our words as we read them, we never realize that. It is, in fact, the reason for over 75% of rejections in the publisher/agent's office.

But take this a step further: assume you have the desire and the story, and are going to tell it in a medium that DOES reproduce the necessary emotion. Transplant the average hopeful storyteller, and their story to a venue where they can be seen and heard. Will they, with no additional knowledge on how to perform, do well? Could be, but people work hard on perfecting the skills of performance—many of which aren't obvious until pointed out and practiced till they come automatically.

My point? I'm not disagreeing with your viewpoint, only suggesting that kids playing dress-up are cute because they are kids. Given that I'm not all that cute these days...

“It’s none of their business that you have to learn how to write. Let them think you were born that way.”
~Ernest Hemingway

Posted 4 Weeks Ago

Rating /100

4 Weeks Ago

I agree. The deepth of our skills come with practice, and the mastery of it from trying to learn b.. read moreI agree. The deepth of our skills come with practice, and the mastery of it from trying to learn beyond our natural abilities. We should endeavor to discover what works and what does not.
But while the closet writer is searching for their next twist let them dive into some great stories (a writer's toychest) and let inspiration run wild.
I've read many of your reviews over the years and often times the writer misses the point. What we see in our head doesn't always find the page, but in the meantime just keep writing.
If we could learn to read our own work as a reader and not the creator we would double our talent right off the bat.

The little girl was tucked up safe and warm in bed, ready for her bedtime tale from Daddy.
"This little piggy went to market... (giggle)
this little piggy stayed home.
This little piggy had roast beef... (giggle giggle.)
This little piggy had none... (giggle)
And this little piggy... (giggle)... went into that delicious bacon sandwich you had for lunch. Goodnight dear.
(Aaaaarrrggh)

Posted 4 Weeks Ago

4 Weeks Ago

4 Weeks Ago

It is. Pigs in blankets, so good.
Ps... You do pigs in blankets over there dontcha? Sausage w.. read moreIt is. Pigs in blankets, so good.
Ps... You do pigs in blankets over there dontcha? Sausage wrapped in bacon.... Hmm)(Homer Simpson noise)

4 Weeks Ago

Posted 4 Weeks Ago

Rating /100

4 Weeks Ago

I get that I have to have a new pencil when I start a new project.
I have bought so many jo.. read moreI get that I have to have a new pencil when I start a new project.
I have bought so many journals it's not even funny.

4 Weeks Ago

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Oakland, AR

About

I am a published poet and love poetry. My husband and I live near the White River, and love trout fishing. I find my surroundings a great inspiration to me. I also have two books on Amazon Kindle: O.. more..